Rafael Nadal to carry Spanish flag at Rio Olympics opening ceremony

Madrid: Spain's tennis great Rafael Nadal will continue his role as the national flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the Rio Olympic Games, the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE) announced on Wednesday.

Rafael Nadal

The nine-time French Open champion and singles champion at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, was named to carry the national flag at London Olympic Games in 2012. But he was then replaced by basketball star Pau Gasol since Nadal suffered from a knee injury, Xinhua.

"Spanish sport had a debt to pay back to Rafael Nadal. He has done so much, so much more than just his results," said COE chief Alejandro Blanco.

Nadal struggled since last year due to injuries, but he recently fought back to win the claycourt titles at Monte Carlo and Barcelona.